North Cyprus

Northern Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with its friendly people, and its great natural beauty, which is unspoilt, unpolluted and uncrowded.

While the island enjoys one of the healthiest and most pleasant climates
in the world, the landscape varies enchantingly within short distances, from pineclad mountain to fertile plain.

There is much of historical interest to reflect nine thousands years of history, and plenty of good hotels and restaurants which provide Mediterranean and International cuisine, not to mention simpler and
cosier places where the many local dishes can be enjoyed.

It lies in the clear blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, just 40 miles off the coast of Turkey, 60 miles from Syria and 250 miles from Egypt.

How to Come to North Cyprus
By Plane
There are frequent scheduled and charter flights out of England and other European Countries to North Cyprus. More than 60 flights per week arrive at North Cyprus airport Ercan during the summer. There are 15 flights from three airports of London: Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. Most of them arrive in the evening. North Cyprus has direct air links only with Turkey, where all planes from Europe must first touch down.
From Turkey, you can choose from a number of scheduled flights from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Adana and Antalya.

By Boat
There is a ferry service three times a week throughout the year between Mersin and Gazimagusa (Famagusta). Also a little ferry boat linking Tasucu and Girne (Kyrenia) during all seasons and a new boat link has been established during the peak season between Alanya, Antalya and Anamur to Girne (Kyrenia). You are advised to reserve your places before departure.

Location
Cyprus is situated at the cross point of 35°N latitude and 33°E longitude.

Population
In total, Northern Cyprus has a population, around 300,000 in total, mainly ethnic Turkish Cypriots. The Capital City of Nicosia has 85,000 inhabitants, followed by Famagusta with just over 64,000, Kyrenia has slightly less and Morphu comes last with 22,000 people.

Surface Area
Total area of Cyprus is 9251 km². The TRNC is 3242 km² and is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia. Britain, which was the last ruler of the island gave Cyprus its independence in 1960, but before leaving, established two sovereign military bases on the island. These are Akrotiri (124 km²) and Dhekelia (132 km²) and they cover an area of 256km². 244 km² is the United Nations controlled green line (no man's land).

Languages
Mainly Turkish, however, English is widely spoken and understood.

Electricity
240 Volts. Plugs are in English standards.

Telephone
For international calls dial 00 90 392 followed by your number in Cyprus. For example, to call The Dome Hotel from UK you should dial (00 90 392) 815 24 53.

From North Cyprus, dial 00 44 followed by the number in England (for example).

Town Codes : Girne (Kyrenia) =81, Magosa (Famagusta)=36, Lefkosa (Nicosia)=22

Public Transport
In addition to being good, there is a local network of inexpensive buses and a mini-bus service operating between the major towns.

Climate
Climate of the island is typical Mediterranean. It has dry, long summers, and warm, short, light rainy winters.

Visas and Passports
A valid Passport is required and Visas are issued at the entry points.

Driving and Traffic
Here in Northern Cyprus we drive on the left, just like England and most road signs are also in English. Just like the rest of Europe, seat belts are compulsory and strict drinking and driving regulations are enforced, together with speed limits, with a maximum of 100 Kilometres per hour or 62 Miles per hour. Car Hire compared to other countries is relatively inexpensive, however during the summer months, air-conditioning is essential.

Car Rental
Prices are excellent for the travellers who wish to act freely. You can hire a car with your driving licenses. We drive on the left in North Cyprus just like in England, so you will not confuse. Wearing seatbelt is compulsory. All signposts are international.

Currency
The local currency is the New Turkish Lire, but naturally, Euros, Sterling and USD Dollars may be used or exchanged within most towns and of course, most International Credit Cards are also accepted.

Museums
During the summer period (May-October), opening times vary. In winter times opening hours are as follows: 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm. Museums are closed on National holidays. For more information you can contact with the Museums and Antiquities Department.

Tourist Information in UK
North Cyprus Tourism Centre, 29 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3EG, UK. Tel: 0207 631 1930.

Shopping
Popular souvenirs include: potteries, wicker baskets, copper, silver, bronze, and onyx objects, Turkish dolls, meerschaum pipes and tavla boards (backgammon), jewellery, leather cloths and the textiles can be purchased at low prices. You can find many kinds of Turkish Cypriot craft work in many places. Shop opening times are 8am-1pm and 3pm-7am. Export of antiquities is illegal.

Attention: Export of antiquities is illegal.